The Alhambra in Granada - Essential Guide, Practical Information and Tips

The Alhambra is a monumental complex made up of palaces, towers, gardens and aqueducts. It was a medieval walled city, the residence of sultans and kings from the 13th to the 16th century.


It was built between the 13th and 14th centuries and served as the capital of the Emirate of Granada, whose territories extended from parts of Córdoba, Sevilla, Jaén, Murcia and Cádiz, to the entirety of Almería, Málaga and Granada.

The first Emir of the Alhambra was Muhammad I or Al-Ahmar, the founder of the Nasrid dynasty, and the last Sultan of the dynasty was Muhammad XII, better known as Boabdil.


The Alhambra and the Generalife are the main symbols of the splendour and power achieved by the Nasrid dynasty, which founded the kingdom of Granada in 1246.

Its fall came on 2nd of January 1492 with the entry of the Catholic Monarchs into the city after a 10-year war.

Its beauty lies in its magnificent architecture, fascinating decoration, numerous gardens, fountains and courtyards.

Its unique location, with breathtaking views of Granada, the Albaicin and Sierra Nevada makes it an exceptional place.

The Alhambra is the most visited monument in Spain. About 3 million people visit the Alhambra and the Generalife every year. It became a Unesco World Heritage Site in 1984.

What Does the Alhambra Mean?

It is believed that the Alhambra has its origin in a simple fortress built on this hill in the ninth century which was called 'AlHamra' (the red one) because of the reddish color of the earth used in its construction.

What is the Alhambra?

The Alhambra is a medieval palatine city formed by palaces from different periods, along with its medina, gardens, irrigation ditches and protected by defensive structures consisting of the citadel, watchtowers and walls.

Who built the Alhambra?

A total of 22 emirs and sultans reigned in the Alhambra until the arrival of the Catholic Monarchs in 1492. Each of them added or modified something in the architecture of the Alhambra, trying to leave their mark.

Numerous artists and craftsmen have been involved in the construction of this marvelous monument, a World Heritage Site.

Muhammad I, known as Al-Ahmar, the founder of the Nasrid dynasty, began the construction of the Alhambra and moved to live here from the Albaicin in the first half of the 13th century.

Muhammad XII, known as Boabdil, was the last one.

The best extensions of the Alhambra took place during the reigns of Yusuf I and Muhammad V, the golden age of the kingdom of Granada, between 1333 and 1391.

Transformation of the Alhambra

From this period date such important constructions as the Gate of Justice, the Throne Room of the Palace of Comares and the Palace and Court of the Lions.

The surrender of Granada to the Catholic Monarchs in 1492 marked the beginning of a period of transformation of the Alhambra.

The Catholic Monarchs made major modifications to their new residence in the late Gothic and Renaissance styles.

Later, their own grandson, Emperor Charles V, commissioned Pedro Machuca, a master of the Renaissance, to build an imposing palace in the very heart of the Alhambra.

Space of the Month

Each month, the Council of the Alhambra chooses an area that is normally closed to the public, and opens its doors for visitors only during that period.

Be attentive when you make your visit and ask for the "Space of the Month". It is included in the general admission.

World Heritage Site

Recently, the restoration of the beautiful Oratory of the Partal Palace has been completed.

This magnificent work earned international recognition in the form of the European Heritage/Europa Nostra 2019 award.

The Alhambra monumental complex was declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1984 for its outstanding universal value.

What Are the Main Areas of the Alhambra?

The Alhambra is divided into three main areas: the Nasrid Palaces, the Generalife and the Alcazaba.

What are the Nasrid Palaces?

The Nasrid Palaces are the heart of the Alhambra, serving as the center of the Palatine city where the Sultan and his family lived, where the government and court were installed.

The Nasrid Palaces include: the Mexuar, the Palace of Comares, the Palace of the Lions with added Christian constructions, and the Partal Palace.

Unfortunately, a part of the Nasrid Palaces was destroyed to build the Carlos V Palace.

What is the Generalife?

The Generalife was the summer residence of the Sultan and his family - a paradise full of aromatic plants, trees, walls and fountains.

It is made up of extensive gardens, where each corner holds a pleasant surprise.

The Generalife Palace is very old, probably of Almohad origin.

However, the major construction work took place during the reign of Muhammad III (1302-1309) who built the Patio de la Acequia.

From the Generalife you can enjoy spectacular views of the Alhambra and Granada.

What is the Alcazaba?

The Alcazaba is the purely military part of the enclosure. The remaining buildings date from the 13th century.

The first thing you come across on entering is the Barrio Castrense or Plaza de Armas, the place where the troop houses and barracks used to be.

At present, only the plan of these buildings remains, marked with small walls. In the subsoil are the wells and dungeons.

To the left is the Adarves Garden (17th century), with many cypresses, flowers and fountains.

Further on are the Torre de Polvora (Gunpowder Tower) and the Torre de la Vela (Bell Tower), so called because the Catholic Monarchs installed a bell in it, whose ringing indicated the irrigation shifts in the Granada plain.

The best thing about this tower is the view it has of the city, on one side, and the Alhambra, on the other.

If you continue around the Alcazaba in a clockwise direction, you will reach the Puerta de Armas, the main entrance during the Arab period.

What should be the first thing to see in the Alhambra?

The most restricted area for the public are the Nasrid Palaces. Access is very limited for conservation reasons, and obtaining tickets can be more challenging.

Therefore, it is advisable to visit the Nasrid Palaces first, which also has strict entry times.

When is it better to visit the Alhambra: in the morning or in the afternoon?

The Alhambra never fails to mesmerize its visitors.

However, in the summer months, when the sun is intense, it is advisable to visit early in the morning to avoid the heat, especially in the outdoor areas like the Generalife and Alcazaba.

During autumn, the Alhambra takes on a beautiful golden hue, and the sunset light imparts a special glow that should not be missed. Visiting in the afternoon is a great option during this season.

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